Tourism and Technology
The ease technology has brought with it has completely revolutionised the tourism industry. You no longer need to go any further than your smartphone to plan and book a complete holiday – from flights to accommodation.
Technology has made the hospitality, transport, and tour operator sectors more efficient and competitive. These sectors have gained an international reach, with consumers that now have a multitude of options globally for a holiday destination literally at their fingertips.
south African tourism has seen a growth rate of 3.9% in 2016 with an estimated 1.1 million new international tourists and a total of 10 million visitors in 2016. These statistics are a clear indication that this sector has contributed towards job creation.
on a micro level, technology can change an organisation quite drastically, with improved turnaround times, consumer profiling, as well as improved collections and payment systems, all of which make operating costs associated with a business far more cost-effective, and making it easier for a business to increase the number of visits to an establishment. Here are some trends that have changed the tourism industry:
Hospitality Loyalty Cards
The loyalty card is a stroke of genius for businesses. when consumers swipe their loyalty card, it gathers data. This data over time becomes an invaluable tool that assists a business in creating specials, receiving feedback on their facilities and products, and giving targeted specials to repeat clients. If the loyalty card is used properly, the data collected can assist a business in improving its offering, and tailor-make services and products to suit their clients’ needs.
Online Booking Portals
Every major airline, car rental company, coach service, hotel group, and accommodation facility has mobile applications which allow users to book aspects of their trip via their mobile phone, from just about anywhere in the world. This ease of access enables the business to be accessible 24/7.
Free Wi-fi
Complimentary wi-fi is a prerequisite for many, and in some instances a non-negotiable for consumers. Many accommodation establishments have responded to the need by providing a capped amount of daily data. This allows the consumer a certain amount of free megabytes to use, and once those megabytes expire, it prompts the consumer to buy more data should they need it.
Social Media
The greatest benefit with social media is that it affords businesses with an opportunity to engage with consumers on platforms that they, the consumers, enjoy using. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become household names. These, paired with a website and blog, can enable a business to participate online, virtually at little to no setup cost.
Technological advancements limit restrictions posed by location, making travel options boundless – the challenge is a balance of product/service offering and effective reach on new platforms. Businesses need to be a part of the digital age in order to attract the new and far more tech-savvy consumer – or face potential future business being lost.